PHL peacekeeping mission in Syria returns home

Some 322 military officers and enlisted personnel deployed to Syria have returned home on Wednesday after a six-month tour of duty, as part of a peacekeeping mission of the United Nations (UN) in the Middle East. The 322 members of the contingent — comprised of 305 men and 17 women and headed by Col. Alex Gopico — have been conferred with the UN Service Medal. AFP Vice Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Reynaldo B Mapagu lauded the contingent for their “professionalism and dedication," saying they had “greatly contributed to the successful peacekeeping and nation-building operations in that troubled part of the world." “Despite the dangers that come with being part of the ‘blue helmet’ contingents, you have demonstrated our dauntless determination, courage and commitment to the cause of humanitarianism," Mapagu said. Contested area The Philippine troops were sent to Golan Heights, a contested area straddling the borders of Syria and Israel, where a United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) was established on May 1974 by virtue of UN Security Council Resolution 350 (1974). Since then, UNDOF has remained at Golan Heights to maintain the ceasefire between Israeli and Syrian forces. The contingent headed by Gopico is the second batch of troops sent by the Philippines to help implement the UN resolution. The first Philippine Contingent to Golan Heights arrived in Syria on November 2008. The second contingent left in two batches earlier this year, one in April 27 and another on May 7. The third contingent of Philippine troops, comprised of 370 military personnel, left for Syria in two batches on November 6 and November 15. Assistance from the Philippines The UN department of peacekeeping operations requested assistance from the Philippines on May 2009. The government agreed to contribute personnel, equipment and services for a Philippine battalion at the UNDOF’s area of responsibility in Golan Heights. The current force commander of UNDOF is the AFP’s Major General Natalio Ecarma. – VVP, GMANews.TV